HEPPNER TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE AT FOREST MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE

Using our forests to help adapt to and address the challenges of climate change will be one topic on the agenda as Environment Minister Nancy Heppner meets with other forest ministers in Fredericton, New Brunswick on September 11, 2008.

At the Council of the Federation meeting in Vancouver in January, premiers directed their forest ministers to develop a tree species study and a Forest Carbon Management Quantification Framework. Ministers will receive an update on progress at the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers.

"Saskatchewan's forests are an integral part of our economy and our environment," Heppner said. "We need to work collaboratively to protect the forests from the effects of climate change, while building an understanding of the role our forests can play in mitigating those effects."

The role of biofuels in transforming the forest sector and the National Forest Pest Strategy are also on the agenda in Fredericton.

"Global markets for forest products are changing and international competition is growing," Heppner said. "Biofuels are one option for keeping Saskatchewan's forest sector competitive. The impacts of the Mountain Pine Beetle are well-documented. The National Pest Management Strategy promotes communication and the sharing of resources among the federal, provincial and territorial governments. It is an invaluable tool for Saskatchewan, as we work to mitigate a possible Mountain Pine Beetle infestation."

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For more information, contact:

Val Nicholson
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2459